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Sterling Shines as Arsenal Reach UCL Quarterfinals

By on March 13, 2025

Raheem Sterling

Arsenal have secured their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals after defeating PSV Eindhoven 9-3 on aggregate over the two legs.

The Gunners sealed the tie with a 7-1 thrashing of the Dutch club in the first leg last week. They then played out a 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night to complete the job.

Raheem Sterling stole the spotlight in the second leg, setting up both Arsenal goals. His first assist came when he squared the ball to Oleksandr Zinchenko, who fired home from the edge of the area to give Arsenal the lead.

The second assist saw him beat his marker on the flank before delivering a perfect cross for Declan Rice to finish.

Sterling’s performance marked a significant improvement after a challenging period at the club.

Since joining Arsenal on loan from Chelsea last summer, he has struggled to find his rhythm and earn consistent game time.

Injuries to other wingers have given him opportunities, but he has often failed to make a lasting impact.

However, his display against PSV was a clear statement of his quality. He was a constant threat down the flank, showing pace, vision, and creativity.

Sterling’s efforts did not go unnoticed, as manager Mikel Arteta praised the winger after the game.

Arteta Praises Sterling’s Impact

When asked about Sterling’s impressive performance, Arteta expressed his delight.

He stated that he was “very happy” for the player and praised his hard work despite limited opportunities.

‘I was very happy for him, and for a lot of individuals as well that haven’t had a lot of minutes recently. We could tell in the second half, that we lacked the physical capabilities to make certain efforts and runs and certain arrivals into certain spaces in the right time. But overall, very happy that they got the minutes and they responded.’

Arteta also praised Sterling’s confidence after the goal contribution, and insists that he will like to see that kind of play more from the former Chelsea man.

‘Yeah, in the second one, and then he does the last final action as well that he can score. The keeper makes a save and the way he tracked back as well after the corner in the last action when he got booked, that’s the kind of player that we want to see.’

Arsenal now face a tough challenge in the quarter-finals as they take on Real Madrid following their penalty shoot-out win over Atletico Madrid.

Arteta will be hoping Sterling and the rest of his squad can maintain their momentum against the Spanish giants.

The Gunners are aiming to make a statement in Europe this season, and performances like Sterling’s against PSV will be crucial as they seek to progress further in the competition.